Laser-induced reactions in layers of B4C + Fe and B + C + Fe mixtures on a steel substrate

We have studied laser-induced processes in layers of mixtures of boron carbide and iron or a stoichiometric mixture of boron with carbon (4: 1) and iron on a steel substrate. Laser processing was found to increase the microhardness of the surface owing to the formation of a coating containing iron boride phases: Fe2B and Fe3B. After preliminary mechanical activation of boron carbide and iron mixtures, even the lowest laser power used in the experiments was enough to initiate the formation of iron borides.